Fish released in Lahore Zoo pond to control dengue mosquitoes

Zoo staff released tilapia, other fish to naturally consume algae and mosquitoes

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LAHORE:

Lahore Zoo has introduced hundreds of fish into its lake to eliminate dengue mosquitoes and their larvae, as well as to control green algae, officials said on Saturday.

Zoo Director Zahid Iqbal Sheikh, along with other staff, released tilapia and other fish species into the lake.

Sheikh explained that the fish, provided by the Director of Fisheries South Punjab, would naturally consume the green algae and mosquitoes, offering an eco-friendly solution to the problem.

“This natural method will not only help eradicate dengue mosquitoes from the lake but will also reduce the green algae, improving the water quality,” Sheikh said.

He added that the fish would also enhance the appeal of the zoo to visitors, as they are expected to draw interest from tourists.

In addition to the lake, fish have also been released in the zoo’s fountains and waterfalls, further contributing to the effort to eliminate mosquitoes and algae.

Several patients of dengue fever have been admitted to hospitals during the past week, triggering concerns that the disease may spread in the province after the monsoon rains.

Till August 25, three new patients of dengue fever were confirmed, including one in Lahore, raising the total number of cases in Punjab so far this year to 299.

The fresh cases have been confirmed at a time when rainwater is presents at various spots in Lahore and other cities. The local administration has also failed to immediately drain water from some dengue hotspots in Lahore and other districts.

According to officials, the district authorities in several areas have not adequately priotised the dengue eradication efforts in recent weeks.

After the recent heavy rains in Lahore and other area, the presence of dengue larva was detected by the surveillance teams, indicating the need for the provincial government to focus on protective measures.

Punjab Chief Mister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also held meetings with the officials concerned but the anti-dengue activities have not been adequately intensified.

Rainwater could not be immediately drained out from various areas of Lahore and also from the playgrounds of hundreds of educational institutions in the province.

After the schools reopened following the summer vacations, students and parents complained about the presence of mosquitos on the premises.

One death due to dengue fever has been reported from a hospital in Rawalpindi during the ongoing year.